Performance of cold chain logistics service providers in the fast-moving consumer goods industry in Nigeria: a systematic review

Abstract

The operations of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) businesses in Nigeria rely on the efficiency and efficacy of cold chain service providers for quality storage and optimal safety of perishable goods. However, the sector faces obstacles such as inadequate technology, unskilled labour, insufficient funds, weak regulation, and a poor regulatory policy framework, all of which impede the business's growth and performance. The goal of this study is to systematically review the issues that restrict cold chain logistics service providers' performance in Nigeria's highly perishable food business. This study employs PRISMA procedure and the systematic literature review technique to extract articles and emphasize the importance of employing cold chain services to increase efficiency, quality service delivery, and consumer fulfilment. The study's findings demonstrate that achieving quality service delivery, service effectiveness, cost savings, and customer satisfaction is hampered by a lack of proper synergy between cold chain logistics service providers and cold chain major stakeholders such as regulators, as well as an absence of skilled personnel, policy, funding, infrastructure, and technologies for monitoring and tracking product movement and condition. By remedying these difficulties, Nigeria's FMCGS sectors could potentially improve their performance and contribute to the development of a robust, sustainable cold chain logistics industry. As a result, the quality and safety of FMCG goods would be enhanced, driving the expansion of the FMCG sector in Nigeria. Future research findings should focus on the cold chain logistics performance leverages on economic growth and development in Africa.